The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Office of Suicide Prevention reported that the suicide rate among youth ages 10-18 in Colorado has reached its lowest point since 2007. In 2024, there were 39 suicide deaths in this age group, which corresponds to a rate of 5.85 deaths per 100,000 youth. This marks a significant decrease from the peak in 2020, when the rate was 12.91 deaths per 100,000 youth with a total of 87 deaths.
“The drop in youth suicides is encouraging, because we see that our shared efforts in communities across Colorado are indeed having a positive impact on our youth,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, CDPHE executive director. “We have been intentional about the actions we are taking in Colorado to prevent suicide and the data indicates that we are making a difference.”
Officials say it is difficult to determine all factors behind the decline but credit evidence-based programs and statewide partnerships aimed at reaching young people and reducing suicide attempts.
“One youth suicide is too many, but the decrease in youth suicide in 2024 is promising,” said Lena Heilmann, director of CDPHE’s Office of Suicide Prevention. “We hope to build on this progress as kids head back to school, where they will have more opportunities to connect with a broader network of caring adults and their peers.”
Several initiatives were highlighted by CDPHE and partner agencies such as the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). These include Sources of Strength—a program designed to strengthen relationships between youth and trusted adults—and The Colorado Follow-Up Project, which provides services for those discharged from emergency departments after mental health crises or suicide attempts. The Second Wind Fund offers free therapy for underinsured or uninsured youth, while The Gun Shop Project promotes firearm safety practices through education at gun shops and ranges.
BHA supports additional resources like 988 Colorado—a free mental health support line available to everyone—alongside I Matter Colorado, which gives young people access to up to six free therapy sessions with trained therapists. The new statewide network called Colorado LIFTS connects individuals without sufficient insurance coverage to mental health and crisis support services.
In total, there were 1,306 suicide deaths across all ages in Colorado during 2024. The age-adjusted suicide rate remained steady at about 20.83 per 100,000 people for both 2023 and 2024; this represents a decline from its highest level of approximately 22.64 per 100,000 people recorded in 2021.
“We are proud of the progress we are making, and are committed to realizing similar decreases in suicide for people of all ages in Colorado,” said Heilmann.
The Office of Suicide Prevention urges anyone struggling with emotional or mental health concerns—or substance use issues—to call or text the state’s mental health line at 9-8-8. More information about ongoing prevention efforts can be found on the Office’s website.
